FOOD SAFETY AND SECURITY AUTHORITY NOTICE

In accordance with the Food Safety Act and Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the Food Safety and Security Authority informs the public that it has received information from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed concerning the import of the unauthorised “Novel food" product: Wax gourd / Winter melon (Benincasa hispida, also known as Calabaza China).

“Novel Food" is a foodstuff or food ingredient that was not used for human consumption to a significant degree within the European Union before 15 May 1997 and therefore require careful evaluation and authorisation before they can enter the EU market.

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated product and either dispose of it or return it to the store from which it was purchased.

For further information, the public is kindly requested to contact the Food Safety and Security Authority between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. via telephone +356 26025211 or by email at info.fssa@gov.mt.